The Art of Serenity

Thomas Moore author of Care of the Soul and Original Self A solid, insightful book that should help anyone who reads it sort through the ordinary trials of a life. But it is especially valuable for offering rich ideas, so often lacking, on the role of spirituality. I recommend this book for its clarity and good insights. Deepak Chopra author of Grow Younger, Live Longer A bold and brilliant new book that seeks -- and finds! Dr. Karasu's illuminating journey begins in the search for the lost paradise we all yearn for. And he helps us to ultimately discover it in love and belief beyond ourselves. What a brave odyssey toward enlighten- ment -- a must for everyone who yearns for happiness! Leon Botstein president, Bard College T. Byram Karasu brings an acute understanding of contemporary life in America and a rare sensitivity to the complex issues of theology to bear on the individual search for meaning and contentment. This book will edify, challenge, and perhaps infuriate its readers, precisely because it is a courageous foray into the central question that each of us faces. Larry King Dr. Byram Karasu's latest work is his best work yet. This is a wonderful primer toward the answers to many psychological, social, and spiritual needs and issues. Highly recommended for anyone interested in being better tomorrow than...today. Howard C. Cutler, M.D., coauthor with His Holiness the Dalai Lama of The Art of Happiness How can we find a life of genuine happiness and fulfillment, a life of joyful serenity? How can we incorporate a spiritual dimension in our everyday lives? In this brilliantly written work, Dr. T. Byram Karasu addresses these questions, guiding us on a remarkable journey exploring the deepest yearnings of the human heart....The Art of Serenity is profound, absorbing, and insightful, written for those seeking a more soulful and spiritual existence. Paul LeClerc, Ph.D., president, The New York Public Library An eloquent, learned, and wise argument for approaching the complexity of life in a new way. Many readers will find solace and hope in the guidance [Dr. Karasu] offers in these beautifully written pages.

T. Byram Karasu, M.D., is the Silverman Professor of Psychiatry and University Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Psychiatrist-in-Chief of Montefiore Medical Center. He is the author or editor of more than a dozen books, including the seminal Treatments of Psychiatric Disorders and The Art of Serenity, a New York Times bestseller. He is editor in chief of the American Journal of Psychotherapy and a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Karasu is a scholar, renowned clinician, teacher, and lecturer, and the recipient of numerous awards. He lives in New York City and Connecticut.

Contents Acknowledgments Introduction THE WAY OF SOUL IS LOVE The Love of Others The Love of Work The Love of Belonging THE WAY OF SPIRIT IS BELIEVING Believing in the Sacred Believing in Unity Believing in Transformation THE WAY OF GOD IS BELIEVING AND LOVING Secular Apostle Believing in God: Believing in Something Greater Than the Human Dimension Believing in the Existence of God in the Form of Absence The Love of God The Love of Divine Law Epilogue: Untying the Ends, Fallibly Sources